According to an excellent article by Eric Crawford of WDRB, one issue that led to Kenny Payne’s demise at Louisville was a poor coaching staff.
According to the article, associate head coach Danny Manning wasn’t able to offer much support in recruiting or x-and-o instruction.
Assistant Nolan Smith, a former Duke player, was sensitive to criticism and even reportedly threw Payne under the bus to some members of the national media.
Here is an excerpt:
It’s largely an indictment of his coaching staff. In Manning, Payne needed more of a game coach, an x-and-o instructor who could help him adjust to the college game and to making critical decisions at game speed.